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The Benz Appreciation Thread


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Benz fans need to get some manners...a sausage fight at the Benz AGM is worse than a Russian political punch-up. 

http://www.theage.com.au/business/world-business/police-called-in-to-end-sausage-fight-at-mercedes-shareholder-meeting-20160408-go1fcc.html

 

Edited by Blue964
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Benz fans need to get some manners...a sausage fight at the Benz AGM is worse than a Russian political punch-up. 

http://www.theage.com.au/business/world-business/police-called-in-to-end-sausage-fight-at-mercedes-shareholder-meeting-20160408-go1fcc.html

 

Straight to the "sausage appreciation " thread!

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This Mercedes 560 SL 6.0 AMG hammered away the businessman’s blues

08 April 2016
 
 
Think Mercedes AMGs of old, and the powerful, imposing ‘Hammer’ saloons probably spring to mind. But the tuning house also worked its magic on the SL, and this ultra-rare 6.0-litre example is arguably the greatest of them all. For boardroom credibility and absolute punctuality, look no further…

It’s ironic that, for a car boasting a name rooted in motorsport history, the R107 generation Mercedes SL was so sedate when it was introduced. Over the course of its impressive 18-year production run (during which some 237,000 were produced, with 62% heading Stateside), ever warmer versions of ‘the most sensible dream car in the world’ emerged from the factory, culminating in the 227hp, V8-powered 560. This car was designated solely for the North American, Japanese and Australian markets, but stricter emissions regulations meant the car was actually less powerful than the lower-capacity 500 model sold in Europe. 

Skin-deep modifications

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Prior to Mercedes’ acquisition of AMG in 1991, the Affalterbach tuning house worked in a semi-official capacity, lending a broad selection of cosmetic and performance modification options to a significant proportion of the model range, including the SL. These were available to customers on request, and naturally proved particularly popular in the 1980s – an era when tuning your car was as fashionable as shoulder pads and Duran Duran. Oh, and when taste knew no bounds…

Ultimate iteration

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For the understated enthusiast who was keener on shaving tenths off his commute to the office rather than drawing attention outside of nightclubs, an AMG-fettled Mercedes was the perfect tool for the job. Which brings us nicely on to the car you’re looking at here – what is arguably the ultimate iteration of the R107 SL. 

While it might not look drastically different to the standard SL, there are numerous hints to this car’s signature AMG performance credentials, not least the ‘6.0’ badging and the Monoblock wheels, wrapped in bulbous and wide low-profile tyres. It’s refreshing to see the typical AMG monochromatic colour scheme in blue, and not black or grey. This particular hue is a tasteful and versatile shade, and the lashings of chrome only serve to accentuate the car’s soft styling. 

A seven-times World Champion’s choice

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Under the bonnet is where this SL shines, though. It’s allegedly one of just three cars fitted with AMG’s potent M117 6.0-litre V8 from the 300E ‘Hammer’, developing upwards of 330HP. To keep a rein on this extra power, a limited-slip differential was fitted at the rear, and the whole package was clearly very impressive, as its current Monaco-based vendor DG states that a certain Michael Schumacher is listed as an owner on the history file. 

Primal scream

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In recent years, the car underwent an extensive restoration carried out by Panagiotis Avramidis, the former AMG engineer responsible for reviving engine-tuning specialist MKB Power. For the sake of practicality, a rear bench seat has been fitted to the sumptuous new, bodywork-matching navy leather interior, along with the airbag-equipped steering wheel from the later E55.

The fact that those cars breathed on by AMG were commonly held as Mercedes models in their own right is testament to the company’s skill and engineering prowess – look at the AMG brand today, and the fundamental principles have barely changed. This SL560 is both one of the earliest and rarest ‘pre-merger’ AMG-tuned Mercedes in existence, not to mention the ultimate 1980s SL. Though its sensible status has diminished somewhat, we can think of few better sports cars to drive on a daily basis. Even if you’d had an awful day in the boardroom, stepping into the SL for the drive home would be bound to alleviate the blues. 

Photos: Rémi Dargegen for Classic Driver © 2016

You can find this 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL 6.0 AMG listed for sale in the Classic Driver Market, as well as a broad selection of R107 SLs

More articles related to Mercedes-Benz SL

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The one I looked at today has been dry stored for 25 years,  but would not exactly function as well as this little beauty!

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Mercedes-Benz-600-1969/OAG-AD-12331105/?Cr=0

How does a police commissioner earn enough to buy one of these new in the first place? Hmmm :ph34r:

Oh , the one advertised comes with a 10 year warranty.

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Well before I reached a double digit age I was allowed to stay up to watch the Man From Uncle, the first time around.

Here is a still from the Girls From Nazarone Affair ; Robert Vaughn getting monstered on the bonnet of his E Type by a couple of fembots who drove in the garage in the Fintail.

GFNA96.jpg

It was a tough job acting , but someone had to do it.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Ok I like one or two I confess SL190, C63 AMG and this 

 

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a guy in South Africa is building a tribute. I can just imagine what a cash burn it is but what a machine to have for track days...

link to the build thread which is still work in progress from the M100 forum. http://www.m-100.co/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8332 

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a guy in South Africa is building a tribute. I can just imagine what a cash burn it is but what a machine to have for track days...

link to the build thread which is still work in progress from the M100 forum. http://www.m-100.co/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8332 

Just read that thread. I love his attention to detail. Will be a fantastic car when he is done.

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The USA headlights are generally considered ugly. But it's an easy fix , albeit at the expense of originality.

so many cars destroyed by sealed beam headlight design.  Porsche 911, jag xjs, countless benzes.  Probably the worst is the Citroen SM.  and that's not even talking about impact bumper rules.

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so many cars destroyed by sealed beam headlight design.  Porsche 911, jag xjs, countless benzes.  Probably the worst is the Citroen SM.  and that's not even talking about impact bumper rules.

USA should have stuck to styling their own cars , not making rules that force other countries to make "bespoke" devices for that "special" country. What about side lamps , front and rear? Aaargh!

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Car looks ok in those pics, much rust to floor/ sills/ etc.... shame to see another one go down...

Terminal rust in sills etc. Believe me , I hate to see one scrapped but this ain't no Ferrari or Massa!

You can have the carcass for free ;)

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Terminal rust in sills etc. Believe me , I hate to see one scrapped but this ain't no Ferrari or Massa!

You can have the carcass for free ;)

Unfortunately my old Benz collecting days are over, would need a much bigger piece of land for that :)

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